by Roxie Rivera
"Stop." I reached for him in the darkness and finally found his broad shoulders. "It's not your fault. We both got caught up in the moment."
His forehead touched mine. I could feel the guilt radiating from him. "I'm clean, Benny, but if you want, I'll see my doctor as soon as he opens." He hesitated before admitting, "I've never had sex without a condom."
His admission didn't surprise me that much. Dimitri had always struck me as the kind of man who never took chances—until me, it seemed.
"You're my first, too." I licked my lips and considered what we both weren't saying. Our sexual experiences had been careful up until this point and our risks of catching something were so very low. I knew Dimitri would run out to see his doctor first thing and we would have those results in a couple of days.
But there was another kind of result that would take weeks to become available.
"Are you…?"
He didn't have to finish the thought. I understood what he was trying to ask. "No, I'm not on birth control."
He didn't miss a beat. "Okay."
His calm reply soothed my anxious nerves. At least he wasn't freaking out over it. I was glad we could both be adults about our mistake.
As Dimitri slid down next to me and kissed me so sweetly, I couldn't help but wonder if calling it a mistake was the wrong word for it. It seemed such a harsh thing to call what had just happened between us. A moment of passion like the one we'd just shared? No, that definitely wasn't a mistake.
Reluctantly, I untangled myself from his brawny arms. "I have to shower."
"I'm going to start some coffee." He ran his hand along my thigh. "If I follow you into the shower, the bakery won't open until noon."
Laughing, I slid away from him and off the bed. "Would you mind running down to my office and grabbing the second set of clothes I keep in the bottom desk drawer?"
Dimitri switched on the lamp, illuminating his room and the rumpled sheets where we'd spent the night together. "I don't mind. Where are your keys?"
"With my purse in your living room," I said and quickly darted to the bathroom. He caught up with me before I could disappear and gave my butt a playful smack. "Dimitri!"
"I'm sorry," he said with a laugh. "I couldn't help myself."
Seeing him smile, with his blond hair tousled and the shadow of a beard on his face, did funny things to my belly. He pecked my cheek before heading to his closet. I slipped into the bathroom and started the shower. A knock got my attention. "Yes?"
"There are extra toiletries under the sink."
"Thank you." I knelt down and found what I needed in the cabinet. Apparently Dimitri liked to shop at the big warehouse club store a few blocks over. He seemed to be so careful with his money. I admired him for watching his pennies because I knew where he'd come from and how hard he'd worked to amass his wealth.
Sure, he'd caught a lucky break with those time share deals a few years back but he wasn’t cocky about it. I'd been doing some late night cleaning downstairs in the bakery when he'd come home stumbling drunk after celebrating the deal he'd made. Helping him up to the apartment had nearly broken my back but somehow we'd managed it.
It was the first and only time I'd ever seen him like that but I understood why he'd let loose. He'd clawed his way off the streets to become a success—and it was something I deeply respected about him.
Scrubbing away in the shower, I couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable about our vastly different financial situations. Dimitri lived the easy life of a bachelor of means while I had days where I sat in my office praying that we'd have enough outstanding customer invoices paid to cover payroll.
Deep down inside, I feared what Dimitri thought of me. Was he like Johnny? Did he think I'd run a thriving business into the ground with mismanagement? It wasn't true, of course. By the time my grandmother had let me see the books and come clean about the creative accounting she'd been using to get by, I'd had very few options left to save the business and the people depending on me for jobs. I'd done the very best I could—but it wasn't enough.
My stomach twisted with guilt and embarrassment as I considered the very real possibility that I would fail and lose the business that had been in my family for nearly forty years. I could only imagine the kind of gossip that would blaze through this neighborhood like wildfire. I'd probably have to relocate to another city just to escape the humiliation of it all.
Not wanting to ruin what had started as such a good morning, I pushed away those ugly thoughts and dried off. I squeezed as much water out of my hair as possible and tugged Dimitri's comb through the snarls and tangles. I couldn't find a blow dryer so I left my hair down to air dry.
Out in the bedroom, I found the jeans, shirt and clean socks from my office stacked on the foot of his bed. It only took one kitchen accident as a teenager working in the bakery to teach me a valuable lesson about keeping extra clothes at hand. If I'd known I was going to use them the morning after a torrid night with Dimitri, I might have slipped a pair of undies and a bra in there.
"I've tossed your clothes in the washer. They'll be dry before you open." With my bra dangling from his fingers, he leaned against the door frame and watched me shimmy into my jeans. His mouth curved in a wolfish grin "Although I have to admit I rather like the commando look on you."
I shot him a quick smile. "You would. May I have my bra?"
Instead of handing it over, he came into the room and slid an arm around my waist. He made sure to brush his cock against my bottom. Not even the denim of my jeans or his cotton pajama pants could stop the snap of heat between our touching bodies. His big hand cupped my breast. "Hold out your arms."
I glanced back at him. "You realize I've been wearing a bra for, like, fifteen years, right? I know how to put it on."
He nuzzled my neck and gave my nipple a little pinch that made me rise up on my toes and gasp. "Humor me."
How could I say no to that? Lifting my arms, I let Dimitri help me into my bra. His skilled hands made quick work of it but he let them linger on my bare skin. Kissing my cheek, he caressed the spot just above my navel. "I'm going to make breakfast. I'll bring something down for you."
I turned in his arms and gazed up at him. "You don't have to do that. Go back to bed, Dimitri."
"Once I'm awake, I'm awake." His fingertip traced my lower lip. "I want to spend time with you before I head into the gym for my workout." Dimitri's hands glided down my sides before he let me loose. "It's Friday."
I smiled and patted his chest. Like many of our customers, he'd memorized the schedule we used for specialty breads and pastries. "I'll make sure to put aside half a dozen of the pineapple turnovers you love so much."
"Better make it a full dozen. Ivan and Kostya are hooked on them now." He gave my backside a squeeze. "I'm getting in the shower. If I don't, you'll never get downstairs."
Our lips met in a quick kiss. I watched him duck into the bathroom and close the door. My heartbeat finally started to slow and I slipped into the red shirt with the bakery's logo on the back. After finding my shoes in the living room, I quickly braided my still damp hair, grabbed my purse and headed downstairs.
Even though I was running a little behind my usual schedule, I was still the first one into the kitchen. Most of our morning crew started rolling in around five. I enjoyed the quiet stillness of the place and took my time turning on the lights and prepping the ovens.
After peeking into the proofing boxes and ensuring everything was as it should be, I started a big pot of coffee in the employee's locker and break room. I made a quick stop in my office to lock away my purse. The sight of the bank deposit bag made my stomach roll with unease. That was a conversation I wasn't looking forward to having with Johnny but it had to be done.
Back in the kitchen, I slipped into an apron and checked the white board for the day's baking list. Marco had long been in charge of making adjustments to it and I trusted his judgment. Apprised of the day's schedule, I started arranging work stations for Marco
, Adam and Lupe, our three main bakers. I'd worked with them long enough to know exactly how they liked things arranged.
While I waited for the ovens to preheat, I punched the power button on the seemingly antique stereo system. The morning crew preferred a quiet, calm start to their mornings. The gentle plucking of a guitar and the unmistakable huskiness of Chavela Vargas echoed off the white walls. The familiar music brought back such good memories.
I had a smile on my face as I started mixing together the streusel-like topping for the pan dulce. Dyed vibrant colors like pink and yellow, the sweet, slightly crunchy mixture was pressed onto the dense, yeasty buns and scored to look like a shell. As a child, the delicious bread had been my favorite breakfast. Thankfully, I'd had the sense to lay off the carby goodness once I became a teenager!
As I worked, I heard the side door open and close. Certain it was Adam coming at his usual time, I called out to greet him—but it wasn't Adam who answered me back.
"Good morning, Miss Burkhart."
Startled by the unexpected voice, I spun around so quickly I knocked the metal bowl onto the floor. Sugar and flour spattered the floor and my shoes. The man standing across from me looked like trouble. He wore an expensive suit and nice shoes but I knew the type.
"Who the hell are you? What are you doing in my bakery?"
He took a step toward me. "I think it's time we had a little chat…"
* * *
Dimitri heard the music downstairs as he got out of the shower. His first few weeks in the apartment, it had driven him crazy to hear the sounds from kitchen below. Soon, he'd gotten used to it and had learned to expect it. The pangs of loneliness he sometimes felt in his new country had been eased by the noise and camaraderie drifting up from down there.
This morning, though, he heard a different sound, one that made his heart stutter. He was sliding into his jeans when the unmistakable clang of a bowl hitting the tile floor met his ears. He went still and listened. Accidents happened all the time in the kitchen but he worried that Benny might have been hurt.
"Who the hell are you? What are you doing here?"
Despite being muffled by the ceiling and floor between them, Benny's frightened voice came through loud and clear to Dimitri. Not bothering with a shirt or shoes, he zipped and buttoned his jeans and left his apartment in a flash. The metal stairs were hard beneath his bare feet but he didn't care. He'd run across broken glass to reach her.
The moment he launched himself through the side door, Dimitri spotted the dark-haired man. He didn't waste time trying to figure out the situation. With the speed and silence of his many years in elite ops, he came up behind the man. Clearing his throat, he said, "Benny, I heard a noise."
Their early morning visitor visibly stiffened and pivoted to face Dimitri. Shorter by a few inches, the man sized up Dimitri and smartly took a few steps to the side. Benny's frightened expression relaxed at the sight of him.
Wanting to ease her worries, he joined her by the big stainless steel table. The sandy sugar mixture on the floor squished between his toes. He held her gaze just long enough to telegraph a silent message. You're safe with me.
Dimitri turned his attention back to the man and gave him a once-over. He spotted the bulge of a weapon outlined on his right hip. Without a gun of his own, he was at a disadvantage. He slid his hand down to Benny's waist and let his fingers sit there, ready to push her behind him at the first sign of trouble.
"I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot, Benita." The man smiled but Dimitri wasn't fooled. His weasel-like face and shifty demeanor put Dimitri's radar on high alert. "My name is Carl and I work for UpStreet Properties. I truly didn't mean to frighten you this morning. We were simply wondering why we hadn't heard back from you about our offer for the building."
"So pick up the phone and call me," Benny snapped back, her voice laced with irritation.
Dimitri's lips twitched with amusement as shock registered on the man's face. Clearly he'd come here expecting to strong arm her but this little spitfire wasn't about to be pushed around by anyone.
Changing tactics, Carl apologized with a sickly sweet smile. "You're right, Benita. It's just that the offer is time sensitive. We'd hoped to have an answer in the next few days."
"Why?" She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. "Because you need this lot in your back pocket so you can secure approval from the city and a financing deal from that bank for the retail plaza you plan to put here?"
Carl's lips settled into a tight line. "That isn't—"
Benny lifted her hand. "You think you're the only one with friends in city offices? My customers talk to me and I listen." With a shake of her head, she said, "Look, I told you people last week that I wasn't interested in selling."
"And your brother? Is he interested in selling his share of the business?"
Dimitri's eyes narrowed at the man's subtle threat. He didn't doubt for a minute that this guy would stoop so low as to turn a brother against his sister for the promise of a little money.
"Carl, you really don't want to start down this road with me." Benny's anger darkened her voice.
Not so easily swayed, Carl reached into his jacket. Dimitri tensed but the man pulled out a business card. He placed it on the stainless steel surface of the work table. "Call me when you change your mind. The generous offer Mr. Krause made expires on Monday."
Putting a hand on Benny's shoulder, Dimitri silently instructed her to stay put. He shadowed Carl to the door and deliberately knocked into him as he started down the steps. The man stumbled forward and only narrowly escaped a meeting with the pavement.
Spinning around, Carl glared but Dimitri put a finger to his own lips, warning the man to keep his mouth shut. Like Nikolai, Dimitri had mastered the art of striking fear into a person with one cold look. Carl wasn't as stupid as he looked and kept his trap shut.
"Don't show your face around here again." Dimitri raised a warning finger and pointed it at him. "If your boss has business with Benny, you tell him to pick up the phone to schedule an appointment with her. Understood?"
Carl gave a stiff nod and stormed to the black car waiting in the alley. Dimitri made sure to memorize the license plate. He had a feeling this wouldn't be the last he'd see of Carl.
Shutting the side door behind him, Dimitri returned to the kitchen. Benny had swept up the mess and stood at the sink washing her hands. Their gazes clashed across the kitchen. He read the anxiety all over her face. Hating to see her so upset, he opened his arms. "Come here."
She rushed into his arms and pressed her cheek to his chest. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back. "God, he scared me!"
"He won't be coming back." Dimitri intended to make that promise a reality. He'd see how Carl liked having someone show up unexpected and unannounced on his turf.
"Do you think they'll really try to turn Johnny against me?"
She already knew the answer but she wanted to hear it from him. Though it killed him to confirm her fears, he answered honestly. "Yes—and I think Johnny will take their offer."
"Oh God." Benny tried to pull away from him but he held tight. "Dimitri, what the hell am I going to do?"
He placed his hand along her cheek. The glimmer of tears in her pretty eyes made his gut twist. He made a split-second decision. "I'm going to make Johnny an offer on his half of the business."
She reeled back in surprise. "What? No! Dimitri, you can't."
He snorted softly. "I can do whatever I want, Benny. It's my money."
"But, Dimitri, if the business fails, you'll lose your money. Let's not kid ourselves, okay? I'm one bad month away from having to close the doors." She put her hands on his chest and shoved just hard enough to free herself from his embrace. "No."
He snatched her wrist and dragged her back. "You're not going to shut me out, Benny."
"Dimitri, please…"
He tried to understand her reticence but couldn't. Trailing his fingers down her cheek, he asked, "What i
s so wrong with me helping you?"
Her eyes closed for the briefest of moments. When they opened, they were filled with such fear. "Because it changes things, Dimitri."
"Sometimes change is good." He brushed his mouth against hers. "Last night was very, very good, yes?"
"Yes." She ran her hands up his arms. "Last night was amazing, but if we put money between us, it's going to get complicated very fast—and then what?"
Finally, he understood. "Benny, it wouldn't be complicated. We could make it work."
"You say that now…"
Dimitri tipped her chin and teased his lips across hers. He eased into the kiss and waited for her to press up against him, deepening the gentle mating of their mouths. Tongues touching now, they clutched at one another. When Dimitri pulled back, he peered down at her for a moment before speaking. "I want to be your partner, Benny."
She swallowed. "In business?"
He realized this was one of those moments where their relationship could surge forward and grow or retreat and fester. "No, not just in business, Benny. I want you as—"
"Benny, you already in the kitchen?" Adam announced his presence mere seconds before stepping into the view. "There was a nasty wreck on the loop and…"
The older man's eyes widened as he caught sight of them embracing. Dimitri could only imagine what Adam was thinking. Naked from the waist up and with his hair still wet, Dimitri looked anything but innocent right now.
But Dimitri wasn't about to let go of Benny. He refused to let anyone make him feel shame for comforting the woman he cared for so deeply. To his surprise, Benny didn't try to jump away in embarrassment. She stepped into his embrace.
Finally, Adam laughed. "Hey, don't let me interrupt you two kids." He winked at Dimitri as he headed for the employee's locker room. "I was young once. I know how this game is played."
Benny rolled her eyes. "Adam!"
Still chuckling, Adam paused in the doorway and glanced back at them. "And about damn time too!"
"God," she said with a groan. "The whole bakery will be talking about us before we even have our first customer."
